Can Dogs Eat Beef Jerky? No — Extreme Sodium and Often Garlic Powder
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
Beef jerky is not safe for dogs. It contains extremely high sodium and most varieties contain garlic powder and onion powder. Dog-specific jerky treats are a safe alternative.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Extreme sodium: ion poisoning. Garlic/onion powder: hemolytic anemia. Preservatives: digestive irritation.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet if large amount consumed.
Safe to Feed
dog-specific unseasoned jerky treats only
What to Avoid
all commercial beef jerky
Preparation & Serving
Use dog-specific jerky only. Never human beef jerky.
Safer Alternatives
- dehydrated-chicken
Did you know?
Jerky has been made for thousands of years — the word comes from the Quechua word charki meaning dried salted meat. Andean civilizations including the Inca made charki from llama and alpaca meat as far back as 1500 BCE.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- never human jerky
- Serving (medium dog)
- never human jerky
- Serving (large dog)
- never human jerky
- Calories (per 100g)
- 295
- Safe frequency
- Never human jerky
Source
What You Need to Know
Commercial beef jerky contains more sodium per gram than almost any other food. Flavored varieties include garlic and onion powder. Even plain beef jerky has sodium levels far exceeding what dogs should consume.
Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety quiz to find out your dog's risk score.
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